Resident discussions are a new way to encourage residents to discuss their neighborhoods and the city's development together. The goal of the discussions is to give residents greater influence over decisions regarding the development of urban areas and to encourage grassroots activism. The discussions can cover everything from urban planning to green areas, and accessible services in the neighborhood.
Previous discussions have been held in Finnish and English in Siilitie, Malmi, Kannelmäki and Kontula, where interest has exceeded expectations. Now, the first resident discussion in Swedish and English will be held at the Helsingfors arbis Kafe (Dagmarinkatu 3) on April 11 th from 2-4 pm.
"The idea is to move away from the rather official and bureaucratic ways of resident participation. Instead, we want to focus on dialogue and discussion between residents and between citizens and city officials, 11 says Johannes Jauhiainen, who works as Borough Liasonforthe Southeasternregion, andis one ofthe initiators of the citizen discussions.
More discussions about what citizens experience as important
The discussion at Arbis will begin with insights into a survey exploring how residents experience security and an inviting atmosphere in different areas ofthe city. This is followed by discussions in smaller groups about different districts. Participants can use maps to think together about their favori te places and places they want to develop.
"Nine out of ten residents in Helsinki find their neighborhoods to be pleasant. Y et, a small portion feel unsafe when moving in their residential area late on Friday or Saturday evenings," say researchers Jenni Erjansola and Venla Bernelius about the survey, which will be presented in more detail during the discussion.
After this presentation there will be a discussion about what participants think the city should look like in the future. Helsinki's experts on parks, green areas, and urban planning will also participate in the discussions.
All immigrants should have their voices heard - regardless of their background
The citizen discussion at Arbis will be conducted in both Swedish and English. The purpose of this is to allow everyone, regardless of their background, to participate in shaping the city's areas.
"Without Finnish citizenship, one cannot vote in parliamentary elections, and although one has the opportunity to vote in municipal elections, one may f eel that there are mental o bstacvles hindering one from voting if one does not yet fully master the language. Through the resident discussions, we want to encourage people to have their voices heard through other channels," says Jauhiainen, and continues:
"This in itself may make it easier för someone who integrates in Swedish in Helsinki to vote or run in the next municipal election or otherwise engage in their neighborhood's affairs."
The bilingual discussion is a collaboration between Helsingfors Arbis and Luckan and is open to eve:ryone. Preregistration is done online(Link leads to external service).
More information
Johannes Jauhiainen is happy to answer further questions about the organization of citizen discussions via email: johannes.jauhiainen@hel.fi(Link opens default mail program) or by phone at 0401546494.
Jenni Erjansalo and Venla Bemelius are also happy to answer further questions about the smvey on residents' experiences of pleasantness and security via email: jenni.erjansola@hel.fi(Link opens default mail program).